Former boxing champ Chris Eubank claims his American truck should be exempt from parking tickets because he provides a community service with it.

The former boxer says he drives the ten-wheel Peterbilt around Brighton and Hove at least three times a week to keep up his image.

But the 32ft vehicle is easily spotted by parking attendants and Eubank admitted he had had his share of tickets.

He said: "I get one or two, I don't mind them. I get tickets when I am giving out autographs. I'd much rather take the ticket than not give the person the autograph."

But, asking for immunity from fines, he added: "I am performing a service to the community with this truck here. People come to Brighton to see if they can see me.

"The West Pier used to be by far the greatest monument in Sussex but now I am up there."

Eubank, who lives in Hove, said of his vehicle: "It is one of my trademarks. It borders on the preposterous and is extremely entertaining."